Election

Elections

1. Q: What is an election?

A: A process where people choose an individual or individuals to hold public office.

2. Q: Why are elections important in a democracy?

A: They allow citizens to participate in the decision-making process and hold leaders accountable.

Types of Elections

3. Q: What are the three main types of elections?

A: Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Government elections.

4. Q: What is the purpose of Presidential elections?

A: To elect the President, who serves as the head of state and government.

5. Q: What is the purpose of Parliamentary elections?

A: To elect members of Parliament, who represent the people and make laws.

Electoral Process

6. Q: What happens during the campaign period?

A: Different parties and candidates promote their policies and ideas to gain votes.

7. Q: How do people vote in most African countries?

A: By marking their choice on a ballot paper and putting it into a sealed ballot box.

Electoral Process

8. Q: What is the role of polling stations?

A: Special stations where people go to cast their votes.

9. Q: How are votes counted and verified?

A: Votes are counted and verified by electoral officials to ensure accuracy and fairness.

Electoral Systems

10. Q: What is the Majoritarian System?

A: A system where the winning candidate must receive more than 50% of valid votes.

11. Q: What is the Simple Majority or First Past the Post system?

A: A system where the candidate with the most votes wins, regardless of whether they have a majority.

Types of Electoral Systems

12. Q: What is a proportional representation system?

A: A system where seats are allocated to parties in proportion to the number of votes they receive.

13. Q: What is a mixed-member proportional system?

A: A system that combines elements of proportional representation and first-past-the-post systems.

14. Q: What is the first step in the electoral process?

A: The legal framework, where the President dissolves Parliament and sets the date for the polling day within 90 days.

15. Q: What is delimitation in the electoral process?

A: The process of dividing the country into constituencies or wards, and setting up polling districts.

16. Q: What is the role of the Electoral Commission in the electoral process?

A: To draw up an election timetable, advertise the election date, and oversee the electoral process.

17. Q: What is the purpose of voter registration?

A: To certify voters' details on the electoral register, which must be finalized and published before the elections.

Types of Elections

18. Q: What are the three types of elections in Zambia?

A: Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Government elections.

19. Q: What is the purpose of by-elections?

A: To elect a replacement when an elected leader cannot complete their term.

20. Q: How often are general elections held in Zambia?

A: Every five years, on the second Thursday of August.

21. Q: What is the role of the Director of Elections in the electoral process?

A: To call for registration of voters and oversee the voter registration process.

22. Q: What is the purpose of the electoral register?

A: To provide a list of all registered voters, which must be finalized and published before the elections.

23. Q: What happens if a political party dissolves or breaks down?

A: A by-election must be held to elect a new candidate.

Electoral Commission

24. Q: What is the role of the Electoral Commission in Zambia?

A: To oversee the electoral process, ensure fairness and transparency, and declare election results.

25. Q: How does the Electoral Commission ensure fairness and transparency?

A: By following the electoral process, ensuring voter registration, and monitoring campaign activities.

Electoral Offences

26. Q: What are some common electoral offences?

A: Bribery, intimidation, and tampering with election materials.

27. Q: What are the consequences of electoral offences?

A: Fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the offence.

28. Q: What is the role of the Commission in the nomination process?

A: The Commission fixes the date, time, and place for submission of nominations by candidates.

29. Q: What do candidates need to do to stand in an election?

A: They must make their submission for nomination to the returning officer for their constituency.

30. Q: What happens during the campaigning period?

A: Political parties and candidates campaign to convince voters to vote for them, using various methods such as publishing campaign materials, conducting rallies, and advertising in the media.

31. Q: What is the purpose of polling day?

A: Registered voters go to polling stations to cast their votes, which are then counted to determine the winner.

32. Q: What is the role of independent election monitors?

A: They observe the electoral process to ensure it is free and fair, preventing attempts at vote rigging and cheating.

Counting Votes and Announcing Results

33. Q: Where are votes counted?

A: Votes are counted at the polling station where they were cast, unless the Commission decides to count them at another venue.

34. Q: What happens after votes are counted?

A: The Electoral Commission announces the results of the election, after verifying the votes and ensuring the election was free and fair.

35. Q: Why is it important to verify votes?

A: To ensure the accuracy and integrity of the electoral process, and to prevent electoral malpractices.

36. Q: What is the role of the Electoral Commission in announcing results?

A: The Commission is responsible for announcing the official results of the election, after verifying the votes and ensuring the election was free and fair.

Electoral Malpractices

37. Q: What is vote rigging?

A: The manipulation of election results to favor a particular candidate or party, often through fraudulent means.

38. Q: Why is it important to prevent electoral malpractices?

A: To ensure the integrity and legitimacy of the electoral process, and to protect the rights of citizens to free and fair elections.

Civic Education

39. Q: Why is civic education important in a democracy?

A: It helps citizens understand their rights and responsibilities, and enables them to participate actively in the democratic process.

40. Q: How can civic education promote democratic values?

A: By teaching citizens about the principles of democracy, such as equality, justice, and accountability, and promoting critical thinking and civic engagement.

41. Q: What is the first step in the electoral process?

A: Establishing the legal framework.

42. Q: What is delimitation in the electoral process?

A: Dividing the country into constituencies and wards.

43. Q: What is the role of the Electoral Commission in announcing the election timetable?

A: To set the dates for nominations, voting, and other electoral activities.

44. Q: Why is voter registration important?

A: To ensure that eligible citizens are added to the electoral register and can participate in the election.

45. Q: What happens during the nomination process?

A: Contesting candidates and political parties submit their nominations to the Electoral Commission.

46. Q: What is the purpose of campaigning in the electoral process?

A: To allow contesting candidates and political parties to promote their policies and ideas to voters.

47. Q: What happens on polling day?

A: Registered voters cast their ballots at designated polling stations.

48. Q: What is the role of the Electoral Commission in announcing election results?

A: To officially declare the winners of the election after counting and verifying the votes.

Electoral Commission

49. Q: What is the role of the Electoral Commission in election management?

A: To oversee the electoral process, ensure it is free and fair, and provide guidance on electoral laws and regulations.

50. Q: What are some of the key functions of the Electoral Commission?

A: Making rules for voter registration, conducting elections, and announcing election results.

51. Q: What is the role of the Electoral Commission in setting up polling stations?

A: The Commission sets up polling districts and stations, ensuring enough stations for all registered voters to access.

52. Q: Why is training for polling officers and assistants important?

A: To facilitate the proper conduct of elections at each polling station.

53. Q: What is the responsibility of the presiding officer at a polling station?

A: To supply all necessary voting materials and oversee the voting process.

Electoral Malpractices

54. Q: What is considered an electoral malpractice in Zambia?

A: Actions such as violence, intimidation, and bribery that undermine the fairness and integrity of the electoral process.

55. Q: Why is it important to prohibit electoral malpractices?

A: To ensure free and fair elections, and to protect the democratic rights of citizens.

56. Q: What can citizens do to report electoral malpractices?

A: Report incidents to the Electoral Commission of Zambia's Conflict Management Committees or the relevant authorities.

Electoral Malpractices

57. Q: What is the penalty for engaging in electoral malpractices in Zambia?

A: Penalties may include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the offense.

58. Q: Why is it important to educate citizens about electoral malpractices?

A: To empower citizens to recognize and report malpractices, and to promote a culture of integrity and transparency in the electoral process.

59. Q: How can citizens contribute to preventing electoral malpractices?

A: By reporting incidents, participating in voter education programs, and promoting peaceful and respectful campaign practices.

Electoral Code of Conduct

60. Q: What is the purpose of the Electoral Code of Conduct in Zambia?

A: To establish guidelines for ethical behavior during elections, and to promote a fair and transparent electoral process.

61. Q: Who is responsible for enforcing the Electoral Code of Conduct?

A: The Electoral Commission of Zambia, in collaboration with other relevant authorities.

Central Government

62. Q: What is the main role of the central government?

A: To provide political and administrative leadership to the nation or state.

63. Q: What are the main functions of the central government?

A: Planning and shaping the nation's destiny, organizing elections, handling foreign issues, providing security and stability, and providing social services.

Organs of Government

64. Q: What is the role of the legislature in the central government?

A: The legislature, or parliament, is the law-making body of the central government.

65. Q: What is the composition of the National Assembly?

A: The National Assembly consists of the President, elected Members of Parliament (MPs), and members nominated by the President.

66. Q: What is the role of the Speaker in the National Assembly?

A: The Speaker heads the house and controls debates in parliament.

Functions of the Legislature

67. Q: What are the key functions of the legislature?

A: Providing advice to the executive, tabling proposed laws, reviewing and passing new laws, investigating government resources, and approving the national budget.

68. Q: Can the legislature reject a decision of the executive?

A: Yes, if they consider it unconstitutional.

Functions of the Legislature

69. Q: What is the role of the legislature in approving appointments to Constitutional offices?

A: The legislature ratifies or confirms appointments made by the President.

70. Q: How does the legislature ensure accountability in government?

A: Through investigating the use of government resources and other matters of national interest.

The Executive

71. Q: Who is the head of the executive branch of government?

A: The President.

72. Q: What is the role of the cabinet ministers in the executive branch?

A: To advise the President and oversee the implementation of government policies.

The Judiciary

73. Q: What is the role of the judiciary in the government?

A: To interpret the laws and ensure justice is served.

74. Q: How does the judiciary ensure that the government acts in accordance with the law?

A: Through checking the actions of the government and declaring them unconstitutional if necessary.

The Executive

75. Q: Who makes up the executive branch of government?

A: The President and cabinet ministers.

76. Q: What is the role of the executive in national development?

A: To plan and ensure development in all sectors, including infrastructure projects.

77. Q: What is the President's role in upholding the Constitution?

A: To uphold and abide by the national Constitution.

Functions of the Executive

78. Q: What are the main functions of the executive?

A: To administer and implement government policies, develop plans for national development, and defend citizens and their property.

79. Q: Why is it important for the executive to create national budgets?

A: To allocate resources for government programmes and actions.

The Judiciary

80. Q: What is the role of the judiciary in enforcing the laws of the country?

A: To administer justice through the law courts and ensure everyone follows the rule of law.

81. Q: Why is it important for the judiciary to function independently?

A: To ensure impartiality and prevent interference from the legislature and executive.

The Judiciary

82. Q: What is the role of the judiciary in settling disputes among citizens?

A: To settle disputes through the courts of law.

83. Q: What is the role of the judiciary in interpreting the law?

A: To interpret the law for the public and ensure it is applied correctly.

Separation of Powers

84. Q: Why is the separation of powers between the legislature, executive, and judiciary important?

A: To prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful and to ensure checks and balances.

85. Q: How does the separation of powers promote accountability in government?

A: By allowing each branch to check the actions of the others, preventing abuses of power.

Local Government in Zambia

86. Q: What is the main role of local government in Zambia?

A: To provide services such as housing, water, sanitation, trade, transport, and roads in towns and cities.

87. Q: What Ministry oversees local government in Zambia?

A: The Ministry of Local Government and Chiefs Affairs.

88. Q: Who are the members of local government in Zambia?

A: MPs, councillors, and paid council staff.

Functions of Local Government

89. Q: What are the main functions of local government?

A: Enacting and enforcing by-laws, providing local infrastructure, collecting levies and taxes, and providing basic social services.

90. Q: Why is it important for local government to provide clean water and sanitation?

A: To ensure the health and well-being of residents. 
91. Q: How does local government contribute to community safety?

A: By providing community policing and enforcing by-laws.
92. Q: What is the role of local government in managing budgets and development plans?

A: To allocate resources and implement development projects that benefit the local community.

93. Q: How does local government link traditional leaders and the central government?

A: By facilitating communication and collaboration between traditional leaders and central government officials.

Importance of Local Government

94. Q: Why is local government important in Zambia?

A: Because it provides essential services and infrastructure to local communities, and ensures their needs are represented.

95. Q: How does local government impact daily life in Zambia?

A: By providing basic services such as water, sanitation, and roads, which are essential for daily life.

House of Chiefs

96. Q: What is the role of traditional rulers in Zambia?

A: To provide leadership in the community and act as custodians of traditional values and land.

97. Q: How are members of the House of Chiefs selected?

A: The provincial chiefs' councils select three members from each province to represent the province in the House of Chiefs.

98. Q: What is the main function of the House of Chiefs?

A: To advise the central government on matters related to traditions, customs, and culture.

99. Q: Why was the House of Chiefs re-established in 2003?

A: To promote decentralization of the local government system and ensure efficient service delivery.

100. Q: Who heads the House of Chiefs?

A: A chairperson elected among members of the house.

101. Q: What is the role of the Clerk of the House of Chiefs?

A: To function as the secretary and administrative head of the house.

Functions of the House of Chiefs

102. Q: What are the main functions of the House of Chiefs?

A: Advising central government on chiefdom development, discussing bills related to customs and traditions, and dealing with customary law and practice.

103. Q: Why is the House of Chiefs important in promoting national unity?

A: By resolving disputes that may arise in chiefdoms or between chiefdoms, resulting from cultural and traditional misunderstandings.

Importance of Traditional Rulers

104. Q: Why are traditional rulers important in Zambia?

A: They provide leadership, preserve traditional values and customs, and promote cultural heritage.

105. Q: How do traditional rulers contribute to the governance of Zambia?

A: By advising the central government on matters related to traditions, customs, and culture, and by promoting national unity.